PIA Press Release2008/04/19

PAL's revived inter-island operations to perk up domestic tourism

Davao City (19 April) -- Philippine Air Lines new offerings of additional 9 turbo-props for inter-island operations will further enhance travel and tourism particularly in the domestic scenes.

Jaime Bautista, president of PAL, expressed this optimism Friday during a press luncheon with members of the Davao City media.

Bautista gave PAL's new air travel program a good success rating especially with the support and cooperation of the hotel industry, the restaurants, resorts and other satellite industries including the respective local government units.

In its official media release, PAL said that it is acquiring up to nine turbo-propeller aircraft to serve its revived inter-island operations, a major move by the flag carrier aimed at boosting trade, tourism and local economies in rural island communities.

The press statement further said: PAL's turbo-prop fleet will consist of three Q300 and six Q400 aircraft manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace of Canada, valued at $150 million based on list prices.

"Deliveries of all nine turbo-props are expected within the next four to six months."

"The aircraft will enable PAL to provide better service to passengers commuting between island points across the archipelago."

"PAL's renewed foray into turbo-prop operations enables it to expand its network to secondary points not currently served by jet aircrafts, which can only operate to the larger provincial airports," the statement said.

Most small island airports in the country are able to accommodate only turbo-prop aircraft.

"For passengers in these far-flung communities, being part of the PAL system allows them to enjoy seamless connections to the flag carrier's extensive network of destinations throughout the Philippines and across Asia, Australia and North America." (PIA XI) [top]